For many cow-calf producers, fall means calves have recently been sold or will be sold in the coming months, so this is a good time to evaluate how the calves did or are doing.

While getting an accurate count of stored feeds is important, understanding how far the stored feeds will go is necessary.

Beef cattle vaccines can help mitigate health risks. However, success of a vaccine hinges heavily upon proper vaccine handling and administration. Taking the time to review vaccine handling and use can improve animal health and guard investment in vaccines.

During times of limited forage, crop residue is sometimes used to replace other hay sources. Crop residues could include cornstalks, grain sorghum stubble, straw from cereal grains (e.g., wheat, oats, etc.) and even soybean hay.

As fall sets in and feed prices continue to climb, I think we are all thinking about ways we can feed our cow herds for less. The first key to a cheap feed bill is to reduce the number of animals you are feeding. That means you only feed the ones you need to keep. 

The best way to utilize cornstalks is to graze them. Cattle graze selectively. Cattle first eat the remaining corn grain, then husks, then leaves and finally the stalk. 

Going into fall and winter, forage and hay supplies are limited for many producers. Fortunately, many areas have received some rain and may be able to produce some grazing from warm-season perennial forages this fall or plant some cool-season annuals.